New Efforts to Tackle Plant Machinery Theft
July 1, 2021
Wide Range of Dumpers, Rollers, Mini Diggers, Skidsteers Hire for Construction Work in Harlow
Due to unprecedented levels of plant machinery theft, a privately-funded police unit has been set up by the Opal national intelligence unit. The new unit is named ACE [Agricultural & Construction Equipment], and will be funded by manufacturers of plant equipment and insurers. The existing body dealing with this major issue folded two years ago, as the police could no longer fund it. ACE will work nationwide to tackle the problem by reducing theft and recovering plant machinery nationally and internationally.
Organised crime is heavily involved in this type of theft, and many plant vehicles are stolen to order. The most commonly stolen items are mini diggers, closely followed by dumpers. Rollers and skid steers are also extremely desirable and near the top of the thieves list. Plant machinery from names like Thwaites and Bomag are considered highly valuable, and represent significant investments. As has always been the case, there are unscrupulous people who see an incredible opportunity to make money. The Construction Equipment Association will donate funds to the initiative. Funds will also come from the Agricultural Engineers Association and insurance companies Axa, Allianz, Aviva, HSB Engineering Insurance, QBE and NFU Mutual.
Detective Inspector Ernie Locke, Opal National Intelligence Unit (SOAC), explained: “ACE sits under the Opal umbrella and benefits from a dedicated intelligence team…By working smarter and in partnership with law enforcement agencies, government agencies, business and industry also, it will deliver a whole system approach in tackling agriculture and construction equipment theft. It is anticipated that ACE team will continue to grow as their contribution is recognised in this area of criminality.
“Our role has many facets including problem-solving skills, delivering the four Ps strategy of prepare, prevent, protect and pursue, identifying emerging threats and intelligence on a regional, national and international level. By working collaboratively, sharing best practice and the timely sharing of information, the ACE unit will help reduce agricultural and construction equipment theft.”
Rhinos have a high quality range of dumpers, rollers, mini diggers and skidsteers, should you need to hire kit urgently for your project in Harlow.
